- More than 15,000 in the UK may already be infected by 'Gameover Zeus'
- The virus could cost the British economy millions, experts warn
- The software can also lock computers and demand a ransom to unlock
Cyberstorm: The computers of more than 15,000 people in the UK are already infected with a virus that could cost our economy 'millions', the National Crime Agency (NCA) has warned
Computer users were last night warned to take urgent action to protect themselves from a global cyber virus pandemic.
Police across the globe launched an unprecedented attack on high-tech criminals behind software causing misery to millions.
The computers of more than 15,000 people in the UK are already infected with a virus that could cost our economy ‘millions’, the National Crime Agency (NCA) warned.
But the grip of those behind the so-called ‘malware’ has been weakened by a counter attack on the servers which control the software.
Computer experts said computer users must install anti-virus software and update their operating systems to the latest versions to stop it regaining its hold.
Those who fail to do so risk having their valuable data, including precious photographs, music and personal files held to ransom.
In the worst cases, victims could lose access to their bank accounts which could be systematically drained by the criminal network.
The software, called Gameover Zeus, has spread worldwide but has been temporarily disabled by the international effort by law enforcement agencies.
Potential victims can protect themselves but have only a short time to do so before the hackers can rebuild their network.
The international effort by forces including the NCA, Interpol and Europol, targeted the ‘command and control’ servers behind the virus.
Hackers will be able to install new ones, but it is thought that there will be a window of opportunity of at least two weeks for computer users to protect themselves.
Many of those whose computers have already been infected will be contacted by their internet service providers.
The software installs itself on a computer when the victim clicks on a link in an unsolicited email or via a website.
In the worst cases, victims could lose access to their bank accounts which could be systematically drained
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